A bit about me...My journey into art started as a therapeutic activity whilst adapting to a complete change of life after I survived a life-threatening subarachnoid brain haemorrhage, caused by a ruptured aneurysm.
I am lucky enough to be close to the inspirational shores of coastal Norfolk, where I am happiest enjoying walks on the beach or in the local countryside with my dog, and a slower pace of life. Recovery is an ongoing process but I try to remain positive and optimistic. I like to communicate this through my work and enjoy creating mostly uplifting paintings that can inspire and articulate that feeling. I have explored many creative techniques, inspired by an invaluable art group, through formal study, and with much experimentation and practice. Art and the brain Art is known to be beneficial for the brain and it has been instrumental in helping me through the challenges of the recovery process and also as a valuable means of expression. Supporting I donate a percentage (15%) from the sale of each artwork to the Brain and Spine Foundation, and am always interested to hear from, and support, charity exhibitions that need donations of paintings. I am especially interested in using my art to help contribute to environment and climate change awareness. With the support of local artists and art groups, I have organised and curated 'Art in the Hut', a very successful charity postcard exhibition in aid of the Norfolk Hospice, which has so far raised over £5,100 over the two years it has run. Having had a second operation on the aneurysm in 2021 and following a period of recovery, I very much hope to be able to get back to painting at some point in 2022. |
My artI paint in an expressive, semi-abstract style.
Working with a mostly limited or monochrome palette, I love the calming combination of blue and white, with occasional flashes of red, which I sometimes feature as an expression and representation of my brush with mortality. Technique and style I like to experiment with textures and a variety of materials, such as acrylic paint, oils, ink, resin, watercolour and textured mediums to create subtle, fluid effects. My aim is to convey and capture light, atmosphere and movement in a loose, flowing, suggestive style. Theme I'm especially interested in the natural environment and our connection (or disconnection) to it; how it fluctuates and can be viewed as both powerful and fragile at the same time. My recent work explores glacial landscapes and themes. The sea, in particular, is a recurring theme, and features prominently in my work. The beautiful and ever-changing Norfolk coast is a great source of inspiration. Exhibitions My paintings and sculptures have featured and sold in popular Norfolk exhibitions, international charity exhibitions in New York, London, Australia and Stratford-upon-Avon. I have had work selected and exhibited for juried online shows at Linus Galleries in California, Kunsthuis Gallery's 'Our eARTh' 2018 in Yorkshire, and my painting, 'Snowdrift', was also selected for the inaugural exhibition 'celebrating the best of East Anglian art' at the Wells Maltings' Honda Gallery, Wells-next-the-sea. I am a member of, and exhibit with, the West Norfolk Artists' Association. For 2019, you can also see my work at the West Acre Gallery as part of the Norfolk and Norwich Open Studios 2019. In 2020, I am delighted to have had a piece exhibited as part of the Environmental Crisis exhibition at the Gerald Moore Gallery, London. |